Texas Hill Country Destination Spots

Texas Hill Country Destinations (Part 2)

We continue our trek through the Texas Hill Country destination spots and focus on four family vacation in. You’ll love visiting New Braunfels, San Marcos, Canyon Lake and Spring Branch. There is nothing more relaxing that tubing down the Guadalupe River. As a result, even if it is just the two of you on a romantic getaway, you will have a great time enjoying the Texas Hill Country’s water option.

The summer months fill with the area folks from all over the world and you need to reserve your stay early. To find the perfect spot, work with a premier vacation rental company in the Hill Country who knows the areas. Whether you need a getaway for two or a spot for twenty – many Hill Country vacation rental homes and cabins wait for your visit. This water-centric article for Texas Hill Country Destination spots will focus on New Braunfels, San Marcos, Canyon Lake and Spring Branch.

Map of Texas Hill Country


New Braunfels

New Braunfels

One of many Hill Country Destination spots includes New Braunfels. Here, you’ll find German influence and cultural hints provides a variety of activities for individuals, couples, and families. Nearly half-way between Austin and San Antonio, New Braunfels offers the entertainment options of a big city while maintaining that small town charm and beauty for which the Hill Country is famous.

Water Fun

The founders of New Braunfels built the town around outdoor water activities. This popular Texas Hill Country Destinations ranked as one of the top water parks in America by US News and World Report, Schlitterbahn offers sixty-five acres of exciting and innovative rides for adults and children alike.

If you want a slower, more relaxing experience, consider tubing down the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers. Each offers a different experience. The Guadalupe’s water flow is controlled by Canyon Dam, so the temperature and current can change. You should plan to spend around three hours tubing this section of the Guadalupe River. An underground spring feeds the Comal River, so the water stays around seventy degrees and provides a calm, shorter trip than the Guadalupe float.

Hungry?

Named after Braunfels in Germany, New Braunfels offers more food, wine and beer options than you can imagine. Delectable Bavarian food is on full display to whet the appetites of all food lovers. The historic Faust Hotel and Brewery offers an amazing menu of great pub food and beer brewed right on-site. Looking for something more upscale for the two of you, then try The Alpine Haus.

Texas’ oldest dance hall, Gruene Hall maintains its original layout to this day. Since 1878, musicians and patrons have enjoyed fun-filled nights. Bands like Blue Water Highway, Bob Schneider, Zane Williams, Lea Ann Womack, Melissa Etheridge, Tanya Tucker and many more are scheduled to perform. With so many headlining acts performing, you will want to purchase tickets online in advance.


San Marcos

San Marcos, TXSan Marcos is one of the easiest Texas Hill Country destinations to find. Located half-way between Austin and San Antonio right along I-35, San Marcos shows how the Texas Hill Country knows how to relax. The San Marcos River cuts right through the heart of the city and provides a calm and fun trip for anyone wanting to canoe or tube.

Wonder World provides families and visitors the opportunity to walk through guided tour of a dry-form cave, as well as look out from an observational tower, ‘float’ in an anti-gravity house, enjoy a petting zoo and ride a train through the Wildlife Park. Ticket admission to the park includes many features such as the petting zoo and other elements can be added as well.

Hungry? San Marcos will take good care of your tummy. Visitors enjoy an eclectic mix of local food ranging from traditional American flare, Tex-Mex, Asian and upscale. Palmer’s Restaurant is perfect for a romantic date, a lively lunch, a warm family gathering, or a pleasant business dinner. Aquabrew combines craft brews with exceptional food in a fun, live-music environment. A trip to San Marcos is just not complete without stopping for an amazing meal right on the river at Ivar’s River Pub.

San Marcos has embraced the outdoor with miles of trails and rivers to explore and as a result, be sure to have plenty of time in your schedule to enjoy all of them!


Canyon Lake

Canyon Lake, TXAnother Texas Hill Country destination, Canyon Lake, has been described as ‘The Jewel” of the Texas Hill Country. Situated right on the Guadalupe River, Canyon Lake is a small town with a big, watery heart. Overlook Park provides families and couples with a spot to relax, jump on the water, fish or enjoy a variety of other nature adventures. Be sure to check park hours and fees first to make your day amazing!

Canyon Lake Gorge formed not long ago in 2002. Recently recognized as a Texas Landmark, Canyon Lake Gorge was formed when a near-biblical flood breached the top of the dam and carved the gorge as it exists today. Visitors can look through thousands of years of rock that built the Texas Hill Country. The site also allows geologists to study gorge formations. From this research, a deeper understanding of how forces create these natural wonders throughout the world was made.

When visiting Canyon Lake, a complete trip includes stopping at Sweetie’s Donuts. Whoever said ‘carbs are the enemy‘ never tried one of their donuts. Come early because when they sell out, it is a long wait until morning. Looking for more upscale, Italian fare, then try Gennaro’s Trattoria. Perfect for a romantic meal alone or the entire family with exceptional food and atmosphere, locals and visitors make a point to stop in.


Spring Branch

Founded in 1852, the rich history of  Spring Branch started when Hans Heinrich Dietrich Knibbe purchased land for a homestead at one dollar per acre. Eventually, the town formed along banks of Spring Creek, which flows int the Guadalupe River about two miles downstream.

Continuing the water theme, the Guadalupe River State Park provides exceptional family time opportunities in the Texas Hill Country. Boating, fishing, canoeing, tubing, camping, and relaxation go hand-in-hand in this beautiful park. Honey Creek State Natural Area is another fantastic place to visit. As a result, guided tours take you through diverse plants, animals and natural features unique to the Texas Hill Country. Tours start early and no pets allowed, so be sure to arrange your visit in advance.

Enjoy the fantastic food options in this quaint small town. Ay Chiwawa, a local Tex-Mex favorite, was voted the #1 Neighborhood Favorite in 2018. Family friendly and always inviting, Ay Chiwawa delivers a variety of food options at extremely reasonable prices. Any trip to the Texas Hill Country requires a stop for BBQ. Smokey Mo’s BBQ produces the finest Hill Country BBQ in the area. Hill Country Premier Lodging customers get a preferred discount as well. Your family will thank you!